Primary draws: traditional country-house murder, (ostensibly) with added interactive puzzle-solving potential; holiday setting
Additional appeals: LGBTPrimary draws: traditional country-house murder, (ostensibly) with added interactive puzzle-solving potential; holiday setting
Additional appeals: LGBTQ acknowledgements that aren't coded for scandal or suspicion, a rarity (though changing) in this genre
Caveats for suggestion: better fit for those seeking comfortable rhythms of isolated-group-and-mounting-deaths than for those hoping for freshness; holiday frame is incidental; in spite of genre Easter eggs, the riddles of the plot are constructed to tease characters more than as solvable brain-teasers for readers; solution to murders is fairly predictable, though many readers will forgive as long as they can enjoy the journey...more
Selected for a book group to provide something holiday-framed, a comparatively lighter tone than usual fare, yet still providing elements that would sSelected for a book group to provide something holiday-framed, a comparatively lighter tone than usual fare, yet still providing elements that would spark opinions and discussion. One of the few positives I have to offer is that at least this met the brief.
Though the Quinn family is described as 'delightfully dysfunctional', I take issue with the adverb. Most make poor choices, ranging from foolish to contemptible, yet somehow we're supposed to hold out for good things for them? When the reader both likes better and finds more interesting the characters not in the central family, it's either a gross misjudgment or a fascinating strategy.
I am aware of a great many readers who will not share my quibbles, instead becoming invested enough to run to the next book to discover what happens next. Also, as noted above, it will invite lively debate. I rather expect the group I'm guest-leading will report having enjoyed the sitcom-like plot twists, the quick pacing, and the pleasure of reading about characters whose lives make their own look more put-together by comparison. ...more
A lovely companion volume for superfans, offering oodles of full-color set photos, recipes, small craft ideas, and mini-quizzes.
I am not the target auA lovely companion volume for superfans, offering oodles of full-color set photos, recipes, small craft ideas, and mini-quizzes.
I am not the target audience, but I understand the appeal satisfaction that has contributed to the evolving phenomenon. It would have been a pleasant surprise if the editors had delved into the tropes, staples, and variations - if not interrogate them - but that was my own wishful thinking. ...more
Sadly, a missed opportunity. Royal Holiday lacks the lively spirit of Guillory's earlier works, instead defaulting to telling us how much the characteSadly, a missed opportunity. Royal Holiday lacks the lively spirit of Guillory's earlier works, instead defaulting to telling us how much the characters are hitting it off rather than depicting it. That's actually one of the niggling issues, as any connection beyond the initial attraction is not convincing - (view spoiler)[not the whirlwind fling and most certainly not the life-altering commitment of the end (hide spoiler)].
Many disappointed reviews are blaming the age of the protagonists, but that's what had the potential to be fresh and original. It felt as if this could have been written for younger (though stilted) characters, and then the ages were advanced on a whim. They had the baggage of middle-aged life concerns, but little of the insight or maturity. The entire reason I made room for an additional romance read in my rotation was to see how older characters might be portrayed as vibrant and fun, but my faith was misplaced. Both their flirting and their physical encounters were diluted versions of what most heroes and heroines are granted, which in many ways is more offensive than if they hadn't been featured at all.
I keep trying to comment on how the English settings of royal houses and London sights were incorporated, but...words fail.
Ultimately, a serotonin hit for readers who enjoy the guaranteed outcome of a well-intentioned, sweet-ish story without many demands, just not one with any staying power....more
3.5 stars. The premise, cure a post-breakup depression with a series of dates set up by various family members, is charmingly fWarm, nutty, and sweet.
3.5 stars. The premise, cure a post-breakup depression with a series of dates set up by various family members, is charmingly far-fetched. This proves to be an effective comic structure for a story that is just as much about friends and family and knowing oneself as it is about finding romantic connection. Some of the scenes are truly madcap, and those provide counterbalance to some heavier worries for the main character.
The book is set during the holiday season, but Christmas and New Year's only serve to bring extended family together as well as t provide a wealth of creative date outings. Teens looking for Hallmark movie-like heart and hi-jinks won't be disappointed....more
Calling this a novella is generous, as it is more a short story - even the author refers to it as such. If you look at the small, thin print edition, Calling this a novella is generous, as it is more a short story - even the author refers to it as such. If you look at the small, thin print edition, you see that the text intermingles with pages of simple color illustrations, and the last several pages introduce you one by one to Backman's previously published titles. In other words, this is more gift book than novella.
audiobook note: I first listened because the narrator was actor Santino Fontana (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), and he did not disappoint. Wry melancholy, self-loathing, and regret? Those are emotions he can communicate. However, there's also depth and masked sensitivity in his voice. Then I wondered if I were giving the book's protagonist the benefit of the doubt based on the reader's previous character. Can't say that I wasn't, so I picked up the print as well to experience differently.
Not what I would consider satisfying, but ultimately harmless. Or, perhaps more accurately, the level of disappointment a fan may feel is within an acceptable margin. Still I recognize there's nothing I could write that would dissuade most enthusiasts from finding out for themselves....more
Several times during this story I couldn't help but compare to the TV series Jane the Virgin with its ability to play off telenovela constructs but wiSeveral times during this story I couldn't help but compare to the TV series Jane the Virgin with its ability to play off telenovela constructs but with added humor and warmth. [Of course, I should qualify that this would be of the drier British version of those, but if you are like me, that's all the more draw.] The setting may be markedly different, as are the character archetypes, but the soapy entertainment value is the same. The fact that included in the writing are some keen observations about how we live with our life choices and with those we have to love added a resonance that must be credited as well.
Though my personal assessment is largely positive, there were elements and arcs I would have preferred balanced differently. Those divergences of opinion may make this a promising book group pick. Even among the wealth of new options for multiple-perspective family stories, this has distinctives to offer.
audiobook note: Jilly Bond is a delightful narrator for the story, deftly playing into the melodrama and the wry humor. Lovely and entertaining....more
2.5 stars. I'm not generally drawn to category romances, but I keep them in occasional rotation so I don't completely lose touch. The premise of this 2.5 stars. I'm not generally drawn to category romances, but I keep them in occasional rotation so I don't completely lose touch. The premise of this work, a traditional romance between a couple who is already married in chapter one (and not by arrangement or for convenience) intrigued, and I liked it more than expected. Especially given the historical setting and the heroine's background, her journey is believable, and that goes a long way.
Chemistry is told more than shown, but the reader doesn't need much convincing. The choice to establish that the pair married for an idea of love, but then had to re-frame expectations after actually living with each other, gives the reader opportunity to watch them fall in love in a more grounded, eyes-open way.
Many readers have called out the absurdity of (view spoiler)[Poppy's hair powder being the impediment to her enjoying intimacy (hide spoiler)], but that's missing the full revelation. That plot point is only one piece that illustrates her early inability to know or express herself, and seen as symptomatic rather than the sole cause, it works. ...more
Flavia's back! I'd lamented her removal to Canada in the last book and how that affected the story world, but this was a return to form. (Gladys and DFlavia's back! I'd lamented her removal to Canada in the last book and how that affected the story world, but this was a return to form. (Gladys and Dogger, we missed you!) Not only that, but some of the developments and characters introduced in As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust found purpose here and enhanced the plot with warmth and wit. Shame on me for doubting.
I adore how Flavia reads a room, especially a crime scene, and her inner dialogue will never not delight. I'm thrilled to see Bradley allowing her to mature in some ways, reflecting her age and circumstance, without compromising her character or appeal. She herself even marvels at modified reactions, which makes her a more self-aware pre-adolescent than most, but even that is in keeping with the girl we adore.
The mystery itself has interest, but Bradley allows the reader to put pieces together well before Flavia. I don't consider this a flaw. Flavia has come home under trying circumstances and is both understandably preoccupied and working to keep herself busy. She's just as sharp, but her focus is on a variety of elements. Her little asides about chemist history, for example, and her subtle manipulations of those she's trying to interview show remarkable knowledge and presence. Still, she is human, and her burdens will take their toll. There is still suspense as we wonder if we are simply seeing red herrings and as we watch Flavia reach her own conclusions.
The title itself is a treat on its own (when will I not smile at well-deployed Shakespeare?), and I admire how it had added meaning as the plot unfolded.
This isn't one I'd recommend to a reader who isn't familiar with Flavia. There are installments which could serve as introduction out of order, but not here. Though necessary context is provided to remind readers, too much will seem questionable, unearned, or overly precocious if you haven't been to Buckshaw before now. As returning readers will recognize, those all run contrary to the very hallmarks of the series. This is a puzzle true to time, place, and person, and its charms are ever bright. ...more
I specifically chose this 1936 title (newly published in US) because it was of a classic mystery era. Adjusting to earlier writing styles and conventiI specifically chose this 1936 title (newly published in US) because it was of a classic mystery era. Adjusting to earlier writing styles and conventions usually isn't an issue for me, but this one posed challenges. The first five chapters leading up to the murder are each presented from a different character's perspective, and we later learn these were written accounts requested by the acting constable. Perhaps if this had been framed as such at the outset it would have helped, but either way they are disjointed and somewhat belabored. It's also difficult to track characters and relationships, as one chapter will refer to them by titles/last names and another by first names.
After the reveal of the crime, the flow improves somewhat, but oddly there are problems both with over-explaining details such as timetables, movements, and motives and with not providing enough shading to invest in the characters.
My favorite of the Willis novellas I've explored thus far. Love the lighthearted but thoughtful premise of "what if the aliens landed, but they didn'tMy favorite of the Willis novellas I've explored thus far. Love the lighthearted but thoughtful premise of "what if the aliens landed, but they didn't do anything? No demands, no challenge, no actions, no communication -- just take up residence for months and only stare?" How we might react says much more about us.
Then, one day, they suddenly sit in unison, and the fun really begins. ...more
"Hot Toy" by Crusie is light and silly almost to the point of farce, but it succeeds in being exactly that to which it aspires: escapist rom-com diver"Hot Toy" by Crusie is light and silly almost to the point of farce, but it succeeds in being exactly that to which it aspires: escapist rom-com diversion. Sometimes this is all the reader asks.
"Naughty Under the Mistletoe" by Phillips is fairly standard for the genre. Credibility of character is strained, but it will suffice for readers looking for frothy yet steamy romance.
"Christmas Bonus" by Foster is by far the weakest. The writing is bloated and unskilled. [Exhibit A: He knew the sound of Maggie's long-legged, purposeful walk with an innate awareness that exemplified his growing awareness of her -- and that is just the third sentence.] A worse offense is calling on the tired trope of the virgin, closeted, but successful romance writer and then using this as a clumsy defense of the genre. [Exhibit B: When the hero discovers her manuscript, naturally this is what he thinks to himself: He'd never read a romance. He'd no idea they were so good, so full of fast-paced plot and great characterization. Just like his mystery novels, only with more emphasis on the emotional side of the relationship. And lots more sex. Great sex. He liked it.] Here's a tip for the author: if you are going to play apologist for what you do, make certain you are offering up a sterling example, not an attempt which only reinforces the very disparaging stereotypes you seek to contradict....more
As with any collection, there are stories that soar and those that sink. Holiday collections especially run the risk of being too schmaltzy for my curAs with any collection, there are stories that soar and those that sink. Holiday collections especially run the risk of being too schmaltzy for my current taste, but this book includes certain reflections that that are genuinely uplifting, cozy, and inspiring. My favorite by far is "If You're Missing Baby Jesus, Call 7162" by Jean Gietzen. On the face of it, the contrivance should annoy me, but each time I read it (to others or for myself) it genuinely warms my heart. I also treasure Robert Louis Stevenson's "A Christmas Prayer".
most recent re-read of selections (by Christmas tree light, of course): December 2014...more
I enjoy many of Berkeley Breathed's picture books, but this will always be my favorite. The story is inventive and has great pacing, especially for a I enjoy many of Berkeley Breathed's picture books, but this will always be my favorite. The story is inventive and has great pacing, especially for a picture book with slightly heavier text. The art is hysterical, creative, and collaborates brilliantly with the narrative. Snarky and heartfelt, it's one to win over nearly every reader. A holiday tradition for the ages.
A contender for those who desire an alternative to A Christmas Carol for celebrating the season with a new appreciation for what life has given, thougA contender for those who desire an alternative to A Christmas Carol for celebrating the season with a new appreciation for what life has given, though it is the sentiment and the publication (not the setting) which attaches it to yuletide. There are scenes in which the story almost lags and stutters, but to be fair those same observations could be laid at Carol, though it's iconic status seems to deflect any such criticism.
audiobook note: It only takes a few words from Jim Dale for my heart to warm. He handles Dickens' vocabulary, characterizations, and sly humor like the master he is. ...more
The strengths of this series both visual (art, coloring, lines, lettering, variance in frame and angle) and narrative (world-building, pacing, misdireThe strengths of this series both visual (art, coloring, lines, lettering, variance in frame and angle) and narrative (world-building, pacing, misdirection, social commentary) continue to build in this installment. Bold choice to explore cult and religion in a story set at Christmas, but I have to admit that Talbot successfully twists expectations here.
The backstory and exposé of the unicorn cult leader was skillfully teased out, and the continued build of the doughface elements intrigue. I especially enjoyed the introduction of the Pinkerton character; this added new shading and interplay of world perspective as well as individual challenge. That said, I wish Ratzi had been allowed to be involved more. I find him much more interesting than Billie.
Speaking of Billie, it bothers me that this series is prominently billed as a "scientific-romance thriller". Including recurring love-interest storylines doesn't qualify a narrative as romance. ETA: I can't regret the previous sentences because they've opened such interesting conversations both on- and off-site, but I have come to terms with what is a better acknowledgement of what the author intended with the term scientific-romance [see comments for a taste]. I do understand, and I agree with the characterization. Part of the issue I had was as one who pays great attention to how readers can best be connected to books, I believe most potential audiences wouldn't have that context. I still think that is likely the case, but I will admit to feeling a bit foolish at having over-emphasized the concern. The callback to that vocabulary of genre and appeal is absolutely fitting to both story and setting, and it even adds a gracenote of elegance to the tone.
Though I always appreciate the opportunity to revisit classic authors (Cather is a favorite, and it's been far too long since I've tasted Harte or TwaThough I always appreciate the opportunity to revisit classic authors (Cather is a favorite, and it's been far too long since I've tasted Harte or Twain), this is a mixed bag. The selections are likely chosen for licensing access and author recognition rather than for any thematic cohesion or variety, but I suppose that's OK.
audiobook note: The least "Christmas-y" story (Trollope's) is by far the strongest narrative performance. The others are adequate, but strangely uninspired. Too bad. Also, it is a disservice that the narrators are listed as a group rather than credited with their individual stories....more
First, I love the nod that the 12th book in the series is themed with the twelve days of Christmas (the English festival of twelfth night, not the insFirst, I love the nod that the 12th book in the series is themed with the twelve days of Christmas (the English festival of twelfth night, not the insufferable yuletide carol). Barron's penchant for meticulous historical detail brought to life has always been one of the primary recommendations of this series, and providing glimpses into Austen-era holiday traditions is wonderfully transportive.
On one hand, this work nearly rediscovers the best qualities of the earliest books in the series; on the other, it seems to try to recapture that magic by thinly remaking specific scenes, characters, and developments from those very narratives. For instance, (view spoiler)[one simply cannot escape déjà vu when reading of Jane's nighttime hallway encounter with a mysterious and dashing gentleman while clad in a nightdress with her hair loose down her back (hide spoiler)].
No matter. Austen devotees are well-served not only in the details of Jane's lifestyle, travels, and insights, but also -- perhaps most especially -- in the revealing relationship with her beloved sister Cassandra and the character inspirations she may well have drawn from life. Though there are hints of familiar personalities who will eventually appear in different novels, it is the most ridiculous characters of Persuasion who bear the brunt of exposure here.
One additional quibble: the structure of dividing sections with "The First Day," "The Second Day," and so on would have made more sense if those chapters didn't repeatedly contain events that crossed evenings and mornings. The technique of retreating a few steps to explain context is fine, but it's distracting and unclear when paired with calendar day separations....more
